Severe Weather

Dangerous wires warning signs

As reported by the National Fire Protection Association, fixed wiring is the second-leading cause of electrical-related house fires (lamps, light fixtures and lightbulbs are first). And while nearly all wiring hazards are theoretically preventable, the fact that you can’t see most of your house’s wiring means that many electrical hazards aren’t discovered until it’s too late. However, often there are warnings signs that something is amiss, and knowing the most common signs is an important safety lesson for any homeowner. Beyond knowing these, a professional electrical inspection is the best way to discover hidden wiring hazards in your home.

Frequent Circuit Trips

It’s perfectly normal to go years without having to reset a tripped breaker or replace a blown fuse. If you have a circuit that trips fairly often, there’s a good chance it’s overloaded (the power demands on the circuit exceed its safe capacity), or there could be a short or fault somewhere in the wiring run or on any devices connected to the circuit.

Dimming or Flickering Lights

Dimming lights is another common indication of circuit overload or improper wiring. Flickering lights can result from damaged fixture wiring (especially if it’s affecting just one of two or more fixtures on the same circuit), a problem with the switch or a fault somewhere. In older homes with 60-amp service panels (breaker boxes), underpowered fixtures and appliances may indicate that the household system is being overtaxed and should be upgraded.

Overrated Circuit

It’s not always easy to recognize this hazard, but if you’re in your service panel and see a 20-amp (or larger) breaker or fuse on a standard lighting/receptacle circuit, it could be that someone has “fixed” a trip-prone circuit by installing a larger breaker than the circuit wiring is designed for. Standard circuits are 15 amps and should have a 15-amp breaker; a 20-amp breaker will allow overloads without tripping, heating the circuit wires and possibly causing a fire. Note: 20-amp receptacle circuits are common in kitchens and garages, while 15 amps is standard for most other rooms.

Buzzing or Charred Outlets and Switches

Outlets (receptacles)and switches are never supposed to buzz, and their faces or coverplates should never be hot to the touch. These are clear warning signs, often indicating a faulty device, loose wiring inside the box or arching between the wire conductors and the device, box or coverplate. Charred devices should be inspected immediately, as well. It’s normal for most dimmer switches and coverplates to be warm, but they should not be hot.

“Live” Appliances

If touching an appliance body (or a cord plug or really anything that uses electricity) gives you a zing or even a mild buzzing sensation, unplug it and have it checked out, or chuck it. Same goes with buzzing light fixtures.

Smell Something Burning?

Even the faintest scent of overheated plastic can be a big warning sign. If you can’t find the source of a burning smell, whether it’s in a room or next to an appliance, assume that wiring is a possible culprit.

This is no joke, of course. Stories of DIYers using extension cords for circuit wiring are not apocrypha. It happens, and it’s the equivalent of using a garden hose for water-supply pipes. If you find inappropriate wiring anywhere in your house, assume the worst; it’s time for a complete inspection.

Inspection is the Best Defense

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends an electrical inspection of your home every 10 to 40 years, if you’ve added substantial new loads (such as high-wattage appliances) or if you detect any warning signs of wiring problems. Inspections should be conducted by certified electrician or electrical inspector.